How To Buy Your First Gun

Lessons. Are. Essential. There is no way around it. Both before and after your purchase, expert instruction is invaluable. Why before you buy?  Because the choices are so many and varied that the best way to narrow them down to a firearm that suits your needs - and SUITS YOU - is by visiting a shooting range with a competent instructor. In most cases, you'll be able to try the same firearm you are considering, or at least a very similar model, to see if it is, indeed, the one for you.  It is very possible to buy one of the best firearms on the market and have it not fit your hand or style at all. Post-purchase lessons are also imperative. If you are going to properly practice with your new gun until its safe operation is second-nature, you must learn to handle and shoot it properly from the outset.  Practicing the wrong way and practicing the wrong methods makes you a worse shot rather than a better one! A good instructor can set you on the path to success. You've spent good money on your new gun.

Learn how to get the full potential out of it!

Below are a few we can recommend based on personal knowledge.  There are others that are very good.  And there are shysters. Make sure your instructor is CA DOJ Certified, at least.